New Orleans Prisoner Suicide Attorneys

Prisoner Suicide

Although convicted and sentenced to a prison term, inmates are still entitled to protection under the U.S. Constitution and state and federal laws. Among those civil rights protections is the right to be free from assault and battery, and entitlement to access to proper mental health support. When these needs are not met, prisons see avoidable and tragic cases of prisoner suicide.

Regardless of whether they are operated by the state or federal government or a private corporation, correctional facilities have a duty to ensure the safety of their inmates. When a jail or prison willfully or negligently breaches that duty, it must be held accountable for the resulting physical injury, emotional harm, or death of the inmate. That’s where the Lamothe Law Firm steps in.

An Unconstitutional Lack of Care

No one deserves to be abandoned when they are struggling. This includes inmates, whose symptoms often go ignored by prison staff.

Inmate Suicides & Suicide Attempts

Mental illness contributes to prison suicides, which have risen sharply over the last five years. Just like hospitals and mental health facilities, jails and prisons have a duty to provide care and protection for suicidal inmates – a very real and common problem. Recent statistics show that suicide is the leading cause of inmate deaths in U.S. correctional facilities.

Prisons have a responsibility to identify individuals who demonstrate suicidal ideation, signs and symptoms that include depression, anxiety, suicidal threats, alcohol or drug abuse, self-harm, expression of shame or guilt, a sense of hopelessness and despair, and other behavioral indications. When these warning signals are present, prison staff should implement suicide watch protocols, including proper monitoring, restraints, and emergency intervention as necessary.

If the failure to do so results in an inmate’s injury or death, the jail or prison may be held liable for its negligence or willful disregard for the inmate’s health.

Available Damages in Prisoner Suicide Cases

When an inmate commits suicide while incarcerated, their loved ones are entitled to follow a wrongful death case. The compensation available in these cases often includes:

Emotional pain and suffering

Lost future wages

Compensation for funeral costs

By holding the institution financially accountable, they are forced to admit the catastrophic flaws in their system. While the compensation can never replace who was lost, it can help the family of the inmate to begin the recovery process.

Why Hire Us

Experience

We have over 100 years of combined experience.

Track Record

We have recovered over 100 million dollars for our clients.

Reputation

All suicide cases are emotionally complicated and can be challenging to seek justice for. If you have lost a loved one during their time in prison, you can hold the institution accountable for their lack of mental health care. Contact Lamothe Law Firm to discuss your options.